Durban economy gets over R2.5 billion festive season boost

The Durban beachfront.

The eThekwini Metropolitan Municipality in Durban says the 1.1 million people that visited the area during the festive season have significantly boosted the KwaZulu-Natal economy.

They spent more than R2.5 billion during the period, supporting thousands of jobs.

Mayor Cyril Xaba says visitors are driving economic growth across the province.

“The visit to the city meant a direct spend of about R2.7 billion, an increase from R2.2 billion, around the same period last year,” says Xaba.

WATCH | Durban Tourism Senior Manager Hlengiwe Dube says they are ready to welcome thousands of tourists during the festive season. She adds that they will work with law enforcement and other stakeholders to ensure that tourists are safe. pic.twitter.com/n6lHFlDC8w

— SABC News (@SABCNews) October 30, 2025

He says the contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) hovered at around R9 billion, an increase from R5 billion, in the same year.

[WATCH] Deputy President Paul Mashatile has called on Africa to unite and to take advantage of the tourism sector as the backbone of the continent’s economy. He was speaking at the 2025 Africa’s Travel Indaba in Durban. KZN Premier Thami Ntuli describes the event as an… pic.twitter.com/teamubR7f6

— SABC News (@SABCNews) May 13, 2025